Removable vehicle chassis sub-frame with engine

ABSTRACT

A heavy duty motor vehicle has a main frame with a forward axle and steerable ground wheels. A power unit sub-frame carrying a rear axle is releasably secured to the main frame, and includes an engine assembly which is located at an intermediate position between the axles. The unit may also include a fifth wheel assembly whereby it becomes a towing vehicle for a further trailer unit or units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to new and novel improvements in motor vehicles,and more particularly to a heavy duty vehicle such as a tractor-trailertruck combination.

2. Statement of the Prior Art

It has heretofore been proposed to provide removable sub-chassisassemblies for motor vehicles. Examples of prior patented arrangementsin the field include the following U.S. patents:

    Patent No.  Patentee     Issued                                               ______________________________________                                        1,198,388   Winslow      Sept. 12, 1916                                       1,484,474   Cross        Feb. 19, 1924                                        1,855,642   Masury       Apr. 26, 1932                                        1,948,744   Curtiss      Feb. 27, 1934                                        1,962,937   Richman      June 12, 1934                                        1,975,366   Linderman    Oct. 2, 1934                                         2,260,804   Dunham       Oct. 28, 1941                                        2,480,047   Reinhard     Aug. 23, 1949                                        2,531,268   Herrington   Nov. 21, 1950                                        2,751,992   Nallinger    June 26, 1956                                        ______________________________________                                    

The foregoing illustrative patents show that prior attempts to provide aremovable vehicle chassis sub-frame have been concerned principally withengines mounted either at the forward or rear end of the chassis,thereby imposing the weight of the engine and transmission principallyon either a forward or a rear axle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a vehicle construction which isparticularly suited to heavy duty equipment, and is characterized bymid-length mounting of the engine assembly. This central mounting of theengine and related components has been found to substantially increasepayload capacity by improved weight distribution. A co-related principalstructural innovation of this invention resides in the detachability ofthe entire vehicle power train, thereby facilitating servicing andmaintenance.

In this construction, the entire vehicle power train, including theengine, transmission, drive shaft and drive axle is secured to the mainvehicle frame by a non-complex hitch means. In the event of need formajor service or repair, the power train unit is detached and asubstitute placed in service thereby freeing the chassis unit fromunnecessary deployment from use. The mid-length location of the engineassembly, together with the detachable sub-frame on which this componentis mounted, further makes feasible the use of an effective airsuspension means for the vehicle. In respect to the latter, the factthat the engine is not front mounted provides sufficient space for thecorrect location of such air suspension means.

The midship engine location herein provided moreover, makes it possibleto locate a fifth wheel hook-up assembly for a trailer at a locationwhich permits load sharing between the axles of the two axle tractor.Thus, the need for a third tractor axle in order to correctly balancethe load factor between the axles is eliminated. This location of theengine further provides ample engine space, and permits the use of typesof engines other than the conventional internal combustion piston typeswhen desired, such as turbine or other styles.

A further objective of this invention resides in providing a detachable,engine carrying sub-frame which is readily attached and detached, andone wherein the rear suspension comprises a simple combination of airbags and a stabilizer arm. The unit further employs an array ofelectric, fuel and air quick disconnect plugs which make possible rapiddisengagement of the sub-frame from the chassis.

The absence of an engine in the forward frame area of the vehicleresults in the provision of ample space for mounting of a forward airsuspension means. Further, the necessity for a tilt assembly for thevehicle cab is obviated.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art from a consideration of the followingspecification when read in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a vehicle constructed and assembledin accordance with the teachings of this invention, showing the mainframe and cab in a tilted position in phantom lines for assembly ordisassembly;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of an assembled unit asused for a prime mover and single trailer;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 2, showing the unit asembodied in a tandem trailer unit;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the vehicle of FIG. 1, the cab andsuperstructure being removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line5--5 of FIG. 4, showing the forward axle and wheel assembly and thefront suspension;

FIG. 6 is a plan view from the plane of the line 6--6 of FIG. 5, lookingin the direction of the arrows, showing the hitch means hereof;

FIG. 7 is a detail sectional view on line 7--7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the sub-frame;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on the approximate plane of line 9--9of FIG. 4, showing the rear axle unit;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the rear axle unit from the planeof line 10--10 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing an alternate frontsuspension construction;

FIG. 12 is a cross section showing details, taken on line 12--12 of FIG.11, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an assembled unit;

FIG. 14 shows the unit of FIG. 13 in the process of being disassembled;and

FIG. 15 discloses transport of a detached unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings in more detail, in FIGS. 1 and 4, arepresentative embodiment of the invention is shown and is generallydesignated by reference character 20. The particular design of the cab22 and other elements of superstructure is without significance to theinvention and that illustrated is offered by way of example only. Theunit 20 however, comprises a main frame 24 including elongated sideframe elements 26 and 28 of conventional channel form. For purposes ofreference herein, the frame includes a forward end 30, and a rear end32.

Frame cross elements are provided at convenient locations, and include aforward cross element 34, and a similar rear cross element 36. Eachcross element is formed of channel stock and each is reinforced at itsends by a gusset plate 38.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, a forward axle mounting and assembly is shown. Theaxle 40 includes an integral top member 42, and has end portions 44, 46,connected, by conventional means not shown, to steerable front groundwheels 48, 50. Plates 52, 54 are fixedly secured by bolts 56 or otherfastening means to the member 42, and each plate has a forwardlyprojecting portion 58. The wheels are each provided with a conventionalknuckle 60 for steering purposes. The plate 52 has a rearward extension62 for mounting of power steering apparatus, indicated generally at 64in FIG. 1.

An important feature of this invention concerns the provision of a pairof frame pivot arms 64 and 66. The arms have leading upwardly curvedends 68, 70, and trailing ends 72, 74, and are each of tubularconstruction. The trailing ends 72 and 74 are clamped between the plates52 and 54, respectively, and bottom clamp plates 76, 78 (FIG. 5), bychangeable fasteners 80 of suitable type. If desired, protective splitsheaths 82, 84 with rubber bushings are employed in the clamparrangement. A pair of brackets 86, 88 reinforced by a lateral span 89depend from the frame sides 26 and 28, and a cross member 90 spans theframe thereat. The brackets support hinges 92 with rubber bushings whichserve as pivots for the leading ends 68 and 70 of the arms.

Immediately above the axle 40 the frame side members 26 and 28 areconnected by an upper channel 94, reinforced at its ends by gussetplates 96. The bottom flanges of the side frames are similarly spannedby a larger inverted channel 98, the two last named channels beingconnected by a vertical reinforcing web 100. Forward suspension for thevehicle comprises an air bag suspension system heretofore employedexclusively in rear suspension systems due to bulk. The system hereofcomprises conventional air bags 102, 104 of enlarged size, secured bytheir upper flanges 106 to bear against the channel member 98. The base110, 112 of the bags are suitably secured to the plates 52 and 54 byappropriate fasteners 114.

Rearwardly by the axle and front suspension, the side frames areconnected by a further cross member 116. Enlarged reinforcing members118 are secured to the member 116, and longitudinal braces 120, 122extend therefrom to the member 90. A bracket 124 is secured to member116, and a pneumatic or other fluid operated cylinder 128 controlsextension and retraction of a hitch 130 with a connector 132.

This invention has, as a major feature thereof, a totally independentpower unit 134, a main component of which is a power unit sub-frame 136including a bight portion or transverse rod 138, and elongated side rods140, 142. Each of the side rods has a distal end 144, 145 angularlyrelated to the main extent thereof, and a pair of brackets 146, 148 arecentrally fixed in an upright position on the bight or transverse rod138. These are connected by a top brace 150 having a portion 152 whichembraces the connector 132 of the hitch. The eye member may be furtherembraced by a bottom plate 154 and 154A.

The side rods 140, 142 are spanned at various locations by apparatus formounting of an engine and related accessories. For example, two mounts158A and 158B for a radiator assembly 158. A front mount 156 and aspanning engine mount 160 for an engine 162 and transmission 164 areprovided. Fuel tanks 166 for the engine are mounted outboard on theframe sides, as shown in FIG. 4.

The power unit 134 further includes a rear axle assembly 168 having adifferential housing 170 and shaft housings 172, 174. The latter areclamped about the distal ends 144, 145 of the sub-frame side rods byclamps which include split sleeves 176, 178, upper and lower housingengagement blocks 180, 182, and 184, 186, and inverted U-bolts 188 withlocking nuts 190. The axle housing terminates at brake assemblies 192,194, for rear ground wheels 196 and 198.

The rear axle mount is stabilized by a stabilizer bar 200 having aconnector 202 releasably secured to the frame side 26 for pivotalmovement thereat. A second stabilizer connector 204 is releasably andpivotally engaged to an upstanding lug 206 on the differential housing170. The housing is operatively associated with the transmission 164through a drive shaft 208.

At a location forward of the rear axle assembly, rear suspension meansis provided between the sub-frame and the main frame. In FIGS. 1, 4 and9, it will be observed that mounting plates 210, 212 with dependingsupports 214, 216 are fixedly secured to the rod distal ends. The lowerportions 218, 220 of air bag suspension members 222, 224 are secured tothese plates by changeable fasteners 226. At their respective upperends, the air bags are supplied with mounting brackets which includevertical members 228, 230 which are fixed, as by riveting, to the framesides. The frame is reinforced laterally at the location of thesuspension means by a lower channel 232, an upper channel 234, and avertical web member 236.

The forward suspension means may be modified in the case of extremelyheavy vehicles in the manner shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. There, air bags102a and 104a are again mounted between a channel 98a and an uppermember 42a of an axle 40a. In addition, a forward stabilizer bar 300 hasa first connector 302 engaged on a bracket 304 depending from the frameside 26a, and a second connector 306 pivotally mounted in an upstandingbracket 308 secured on the plate 52a.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, diagrammatic sketches show the adaptability of thevehicle hereof to load distribution. In FIG. 2, a single trailer isshown, and the trailer hitch or fifth wheel 400 has been located at amidship location on the tractor frame. The tandem trailer arrangement ofFIG. 3 however, provides improved efficiency and handlingcharacteristics by shifting of the trailer hook-up 402 to an aftposition.

FIGS. 13 through 15 best illustrate the principal advantages and mannerof use of the construction provided hereby. In FIG. 13 an assembled unitas heretofore described is shown. In FIG. 14, the main frame has beentilted forwardly following disengagement of the rear air bags from theirlower mounting sections and disconnect of the electrical and fluidcontrols for the power unit. These controls are located, as indicatedabove, in an array adjacent the hitch (not shown). The tilted frame andcab, previously raised by any suitable jack means to the position shown,is supported on a standard 500, and the drive unit is placed on a dolly502 for movement to a repair or replacement location. FIG. 15 shows theunit as being towed to another location by a truck 504.

I claim:
 1. In a motor vehicle:a frame having frame side elements andcross elements, including at least one fixed intermediate cross element,connecting the side elements; a cab mounted to the frame; a fifth wheelmounted to the frame rearwardly of the cab for connection to a trailerthat overhangs the frame rearwardly of the cab; a front axle havingsteerable ground wheels thereon; front suspension air bag means for thefront axle interposed between the front axle and the side elements; apower unit comprising a power unit sub-frame including a transverseforward rod and side rods fixed to and extending rearwardly of theforward rod below the side elements, the side rods having rearwarddistal ends; a single hitch means, located rearwardly of the front axle,releasably connecting the center of the forward rod to the center of theintermediate cross element; a rear axle assembly, having ground wheelsand having a differential assembly, secured to the distal ends of theside rods; rear suspension means interposed between the side rods andthe side elements proximate to the rear axle assembly; means securingthe rear suspension means to the side rods and the side elementsincluding releasable securing means securing the rear suspension meansto at least one of the side rods and the side elements; engine mountingmeans extending between the side rods between the hitch means and therear axle assembly; and an engine assembly, including an engine, securedon said mounting means and located between the hitch means and the rearaxle assembly.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein:the rear suspensionmeans comprises a series of air bags.
 3. The invention of claim 1, and:astabilizer rod releasably secured between the differential assembly andthe frame.
 4. The invention of claim 1, and:a stabilizer rod securedbetween the frame and the front suspension means.
 5. In a vehicle:aframe having side elements; a front axle, having steerable ground wheelsthereon, secured to forwardly projecting frame pivot arms, the framepivot arms being pivotally secured at their front ends to the frame sideelements; yieldable suspension means mounted between the pivot arms andthe frame side elements; hitch means spanning the frame side elementsrearwardly of the front axle; a power unit, including a sub-frame havinghitch connection means, releasably engaged with and extending rearwardlyof the hitch means; a rear axle, having ground wheels, secured to thesub-frame rearwardly of the hitch means; yieldable suspension meansreleasably interposed between the sub-frame and the main frame; and anengine assembly mounted to the sub-frame between the hitch means and therear axle.
 6. The invention of claim 5, wherein:the yieldable suspensionmeans comprise air bags.
 7. The invention of claim 5, and:a power trainassembly operatively mounted on the sub-frame.
 8. The invention of claim5, and:a longitudinally movable fifth wheel assembly on the main frame..Iadd.
 9. In a motor vehicle: a frame having side frame elements andcross elements connecting the side elements; a cab mounted to the frame;a fifth wheel mounted to the frame rearwardly of the cab for connectionto a trailer that overhangs the frame rearwardly of the cab; a frontaxle having steerable ground wheels thereon; yieldable front suspensionmeans for the front axle disposed between the front axle and the sideelements; a rear axle assembly, having ground wheels thereon and havinga differential assembly; hitch means located between the front and rearaxles; a power unit comprising a power unit sub-frame including siderods extending rearwardly of the hitch means below the side elements,the side rods having forward ends and rearward distal ends, and the rearaxle assembly being secured to the distal ends of the side rods; theside rods being releasably connected by the hitch means with the sideframe elements; rear suspension means disposed between the side rods andthe side elements proximate to the rear axle assembly; means securingthe rear suspension means to the side rods and the side elementsincluding releasable securing means securing the rear suspension meansto at least one of the side rods and the side elements; engine mountingmeans extending between the side rods between the hitch means and therear axle assembly; and an engine assembly, including an engine, securedto the engine mounting means and located between the hitch means and therear axle assembly. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 10. In a vehicle:a frame having sideelements; a front axle, having steerable ground wheels thereon, securedto forwardly projecting frame pivot arms, the frame pivot arms beingpivotally secured at their front ends to the frame side elements;yieldable suspension means mounted between the pivot arms and the frameside elements; a rear axle having ground wheels thereon; hitch means onthe frame side elements located between the front and rear axles; apower unit, including a sub-frame having hitch connection means,releasably engaged with and extending rearwardly of the hitch means, therear axle being secured to the sub-frame rearwardly of the hitch means;yieldable suspension means releasably disposed between the sub-frame andthe main frame; and an engine assembly mounted to the sub-frame betweenthe hitch means and the rear axle. .Iaddend.